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Basement lighting is an important aspect of any basement remodel. You’ll want to install adequate, even lighting that lights the entire basement effectively. There are some special considerations for basement lighting, so you’ll want to choose your lighting carefully.

Special Considerations for Basement Lighting

Your basement is unique from most other rooms in your house in that it has no windows, but is also a fairy large space. Therefore, you’ll want lighting that is bright and also distributed throughout the space. Additionally, most basements have a relatively low ceiling, so you’ll want to install lighting that doesn’t take up too much vertical space. For example, pendant lighting may not be the best option for basement lighting.

Can Lighting

Can lighting consists of a round fixture, or can, that is installed above the drywall of the ceiling, meaning that the trim of the fixture is flush with the ceiling. The bulb is then placed within the can. There are many trim options for can lighting, meaning that it can be customized to your finished basement’s décor. Can lighting can be installed on both sides of the basement spanning the length of the wall such that the entire basement is evenly lit.

Track Lighting

For the track lighting method, light fixtures are attached on a continuous track that contains electoral conductors. This is unique from other forms of lighting, which rout to individual light fixtures. Track lighting has several benefits in that it is easy to install, effective and versatile. Light fixtures can be evenly dispersed throughout the track, or instead focused in particular areas. Track lighting is an excellent choice for larger spaces that require ample lighting, so it is an ideal choice for finished basements.

Safety First

Any kind of electrical work, including lighting installation, can be very hazardous if done improperly. Serious or even fatal injury can occur during installation, and an improper install poses a fire hazard. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional if you’re inexperienced in electrical work and always make sure that contractor’s work get inspected by ESA inspector. This little step that most contractors try to skip will save a lot of trouble down the road. Fortunately for basement finishing Toronto homeowners have many excellent contractors available. Are you currently undertaking your own basement finishing project? If so, we’d love to hear about which type of lighting you selected. Give us your own thoughts on basement lighting in the comments section.

The style of your basement bar can be customized to match your home’s decor, and also your own personal sense of style. A qualified design professional can help you to design your basement bar and ensure a quality build.

Cabinets

Your bar’s cabinets stand out the most, and will be the main focus of the room. Therefore, they should be carefully selected and designed. For a sleek, modern look, black cabinets with a gloss finish may cultivate the design you’re after. Wood finishing lends itself to an Irish pub or rustic look, particularly darker woods. The fixtures also substantially influence your cabinets’ look.

Bar Top

There are many available bar top options for your finished basement bar. A granite top creates a look that is contemporary yet classic. A wooden top lends a more rustic style, and is perfect for a pub look. For a sleek, modern style, a glass top may be best.

Plumbing

Ideally, you will want to have a sink and preferably dish washer built into your bar. This makes things more convenient, and creates a more polished look. However, any mistakes in new plumbing can be very costly, so this may be best left toe the experts.

Appliances

You will need a refrigerator and/or wine cooler to keep beverages chilled. If you plan to serve beer frequently, you can purchase or build a kegerator, which chills and dispenses a keg of beer. A dishwasher also makes things more convenient, as it’s easier wash bar wear on site rather than toting it upstairs to be washed.

A basement bar makes entertaining easier and more enjoyable, and makes your home more appealing to potential buyers when it’s time to sell. With the help of a qualified professional, you can create the perfect centerpiece for your finished basement.

Most new homes are sold with unfinished basements, which are used for extra storage space, laundry rooms and storm shelters. However, your basement is an untapped source of square footage, and a good basement finishing job can turn it into a space just as inviting as the rest of your home. Because basements are “bonus square footage” homeowners often use finished basements as recreation space or to support a specific interest or purpose.

A finished basement is a great investment, as you will be able to enjoy your home more, and your home will be more valuable and easier to sell when the time comes to put it on the market. Finished basements are often used for the following purposes, and allow homeowners to get the most out of their home.

Man Cave

Guys like to retreat to an space that’s exclusively theirs after a long day to relax and generally decompress. A finished basement is a great refuge for most men, as it’s somewhat separate from the rest of the house, and can be customized to their interests and hobbies.

Recreation or Hobby Room

A finished basement can be a great place to enjoy hobbies or games that require more square footage than you’d otherwise have available.

Entertaining Space

Basements typically span all or most of a home’s floor plan, so usually consist of a continuous large room before they’re finished. A finished basement can thus be an ideal entertaining space for hosting large gatherings of friends and family.

Home Theater or Media Room

Basements are separate from the rest of the house and are fairly soundproof even in their unfinished state, so make excellent home theaters for movie lovers and electronics enthusiasts.

Basement Apartment

A finished basement can be converted to an apartment, which can be rented out to tenants in order to supplement mortgage payments or build savings. A basement apartment is also ideal for elderly parents or adult children, as it allows more privacy for the occupants.

There are many possible uses for a finished basement that can make your home more enjoyable, and allow more flexibility in your living space. Basement finishing is an extensive undertaking, and some aspects of the project may be best left to professionals. Fortunately for basement remodeling Toronto residents have access to many qualified basement finishing contractors, and a beautiful finished basement is easily attainable.

The term “finished basement” has become somewhat of a buzz word as of late, and is often tossed around as a selling point. As such, the definition has become somewhat muddied, and there’s a lot of confusion as to what exactly constitutes a finished basement. It’s important to be aware of these distinctions as a homeowner looking to remodel, or as a potential home buyer.

Independent Point of Egress

Most provinces and local ordinances require an independent exit (i.e. not through the main house) for a basement to be considered fully finished. This is mostly for safety concerns, and also makes the basement more convenient and user friendly. To meet building code in Toronto finished basements must have a separate exit. Many building codes also require windows, and some also require at least a half bath.

Finished Basement Design

Most new homes are sold with unfinished basements, wherein the floor is concrete, the ceiling is exposed and the walls are bare cinder block. In order for a basement to be considered fully finished, all of this must change. There are many basement ceiling options, but the bottom line is that the ceiling must not be exposed. Basement flooring is also important: carpeting, vinyl flooring, linoleum flooring, engineered wood flooring, stained concrete or tiling are all options depending upon your home’s decor. The walls must also be covered and painted.

Climate Control

In order to be fully livable, a finished basement must be insulated, heated and cooled. New homes vary in the degree of climate control already present, so the amount of work necessary to meet this requirement will vary.

Building Code and Legal Concerns

For Toronto basement remodeling, electrical code, plumbing and fire safety must all be carefully observed, particularly if you are considering renting out a basement apartment. It may be a good idea to find a contractor experienced in basement finishing, so that you can be sure that your finished basement meets code. Also, when the time comes to sell your home, a professionally remodeled basement that fully meets building codes will be attractive to appraisers and potential buyers alike. Fortunately for basement finishing Toronto has many well-qualified contractors.

Basement finishing has many benefits, and can increase your home’s value as well as livable square footage. However, it’s a big job, and it’s important to find a well-qualified contractor and manage your project carefully.

What We Do

Welcome to Home Renovation Team!

Home Renovation Team understands that your home is your castle…a place of comfort…a safe haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Your home is special to you and a reflection of your own style and personality.

So, when the time comes for a makeover, put your project into the capable hands of Home Renovation Team. We specialize in working with you to turn your dreams into a beautiful reality. We will take your ideas and the vision of what you have versus what you want and bring them to life!

Our Toronto Home Renovation Team can help you with:

Basements

Bathrooms

Kitchens

Finnish Saunas

HVAC (High Efficiency Furnace, Air Conditioning and Hot water tanks)

Closets

Attics

Decks

Home Renovation Team is about teamwork: Our experience in planning and design, combined with your input and ideas, makes for a winning team!

Ready to make a change for the better with a bathroom renovation that will enhance your lifestyle and add value to your home? Trust your project to a reputable Toronto company that stands for excellence at affordable rates. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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Summer is upon us, which is a much-welcomed change. However, there are some special considerations for your finished basement in the summer months. These tips will help you to get the most out of your finished basement, and to ensure … Continue reading →

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Walls, windows and everything in between! Whether you want to remodel a basement or remodel an older, outdated kitchen or bath that lacks the features you want and/or need something more modern and cutting edge, or just want to give one of your rooms a facelift --- the Home Renovation Team of professionals can work with you for a finished room that is complete in every detail.